Your Local Airport Giving Us a Lift O ne way or another, every person in Iowa benefits from general aviation. From protecting crops to search and rescue to helping local businesses increase their efficiency and reach new markets, general aviation airports support our way of life and provide local connectivity to the world. Nationally, general aviation aircraft make up 96 percent of the entire U.S. civilian aircraft fleet and 75 percent of all U.S. flights. Iowa’s general aviation public airports provide an important means of accessing the communities and regions they serve. Airports enhance economic development and improve quality of life for all Iowans by serving various personal and business travel needs. Business, Commerce, Economic Impact Airports help businesses connect with customers and remote locations effectively and efficiently. The use of aircraft and general aviation airports are essential tools in today’s business environment. One study found 70 percent of new or expanded businesses intentionally locate within 10 miles of a public-use airport. The state of Iowa benefits from aviation- related trade, job creation, fuel taxes, aircraft registration fees and use taxes. Additional benefits are created by the overall economic impact derived from the uses of Iowa’s airports. An economic values study by Iowa State University in 2000 found that Iowa’s general aviation airports provide an economic impact of approximately $176 million annually. It is a win/win situation for the aviation industry and the state’s communities when airports succeed! Education/Careers The aviation system in Iowa creates an exciting avenue for educational opportunities in aviation and aerospace studies. Pre-school visits to airports, school programs, youth camps and teacher workshops are all examples of programs that work to educate and inspire our youth. Many college programs utilize Iowa airports to provide aviation career training in flight operations, aircraft maintenance, airport management, travel, and other aviation support services. Community fly-ins and major air shows bring the public to airports to educate them on the different aspects of aviation. At the same time, they offer an opportunity to introduce both children and adults to the exciting world of flight. Support Your Local General Aviation Airport! Your local airport provides direct opportunities for you. Learning to fly, chartering a plane or attending a fly-in or air show are just some of the ways you might be directly exposed to aviation. To be successful, airports require adequate facilities, management, services and marketing. Public support is important to the viability of your local airport. As the vital links to Iowa’s air transportation system, airports help us retain and expand Iowa’s businesses and support our way of life. See the back page of this brochure to see more uses of Iowa’s system of general aviation airports. Small aircraft provide a wide range of uses that impact all Iowans. Agriculture uses aviation to protect and inspect crops, develop crop survey maps, and support ag- related business travel. Pilots have provided free educational flights to tens of thousands of Iowa youth since 1992 through the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Program. Businesses rely on local airports to move parts, products, and people